The inability to match their opposition in wet weather rugby and ill-discipline were factors in the Ray White Noosa Dolphins losing their first round match against Maroochydore at Sunshine Beach last Saturday. Despite the Dolphins A Grade side scoring five to the Swans three, constant lapses of discipline allowed the Swans too many opportunities for their laser like gaol kicker Will Stevens who punished the local side with five penalty goals steering them to a 34-33 victory.
Whilst head coach Jim McKay was disappointed with the result, he acknowledged his team’s attitude. “They never gave up which is one of our pillars this year, and that was a positive take away, however we tried far too often to play from too deep in our own territory, whereas the Maroochydore side managed the wet weather conditions much better, playing for field position,” McKay said. “Add to our game management woes, repeat instances of ill discipline gifted the Swans an additional 15 points though penalty goals.”
In diabolical conditions, Dolphins prop Pala Mailangi was named the KB’S player of the match with a grinding performance in both set pieces and general play.
The Dolphins are at home again this Saturday against last season’s grand finalists Caloundra who are coming off a 59-12 loss to premiers University, expected to be played in better conditions.
With 10 new faces in the squad, the Ray White Dolphins Reserve grade side opened their season with a 24-12 victory over the Swans with defence being identified by coach Rocco Perugini as they key. ‘We knew the weather was going to play a part on the match, so our focus was on solid set pieces and tight defence and in the first half we delivered, going into half time 17-0. Pleasingly, we restricted the Swans to only one foray into our territory in that half’ Perugini said. The second half didn’t start well for the home side with the Swans hitting back off repeat penalty infringements. Impressing the coaching staff, Ross Magnus was the KB’s player of the match supported well by Liam Manssen and Sabyr Kime.
The Friday Night Dolphins team lined up against a very experienced Maroochydore team at Cotton Tree with the understrength Dolphins showing great spirit and tenacity in the 36-20 defeat. “We started the match with just 15 players against a full Swans squad, so it was going to be difficult,” coach Digger Munro said. “When we lost two players with match ending injuries, that task became even greater. To hold on the way did against such a big and experienced Swans team was a credit to the boys.” KB’S player of the match Ethan Thomas was a standout and ably supported by Josh Larson returning to the game after 11 years, and the experienced Jake Serex. The Ray White Dolphins return to Sunrise Beach for the Friday night match against Caloundra kicking off at 7.30.
Saturday matches at Dolphin Oval:
• Reserve Grade 2pm
• A Grade 3.30pm
Check out the Dolphins Facebook page for all the up to date information.
